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Description: Your home away from home is Palmer House Hilton at 17 East Monroe Street, conveniently located downtown a block and a half from the Art Institute. The longest continuously operating hotel in North America, the Palmer House originally opened on September 26, 1871 as a wedding gift to Bertha Honore Palmer from her husband, Chicago merchant baron Potter Palmer. A formative early patron of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bertha Palmer personally collected and donated many of the Art Institute's masterpieces of French Impressionism, European, Asian, and American art. As the longest continuously operating hotel in North America, the Palmer House has been the destination of choice for every U.S. president since Ulysses S. Grant, world leaders and dignitaries, celebrities, and Chicago's movers-and-shakers. Catering to on-the-go visitors, who expect the finest in dining, entertainment, and services, the Palmer House is a luxury hotel in Chicago that transcends generations with a modern twist on its rich traditions. Defining the heart of Chicago's downtown Loop, the Palmer House forms an architectural nexus among the historic and modern skyscrapers of Burnham and Root, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe.

Facility amenities: With its recent renovation of the public area and guest rooms, the Palmer House offers many contemporary luxuries in the grandeur of an historic setting, including complimentary Wireless Internet in the hotel lobby. Dine in Lockwood Restaurant, a critically acclaimed restaurant rooted in French and Italian traditions. Enjoy Potter's Lounge, for sophisticated, yet relaxed, conversation over drinks. The Lobby Bar features cocktails and light fare -- perfect for before dinner or the theater. Additionally, enjoy the complimentary Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi, Health Club & Fitness Center, On-site Valet Parking, and Valet Laundry Service. The Street Level offers convenient retail stores and cafes with indoor access.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Please see comments belowIf you would like to arrive before your program begins or stay after it ends, we have negotiated discounted rates with the Palmer House Hilton. To make those reservations, please call Elizabeth Hein, Director of Reservations, directly at Phone: (224) 406-9257

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Additional nights after: Please see comments belowIf you would like to arrive before your program begins or stay after it ends, we have negotiated discounted rates with the Palmer House Hilton. To make those reservations, please call Elizabeth Hein, Director of Reservations, directly at Phone: (224) 406-9257

Check out time: 12:00 PM

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!